Harvard's gonna be aiight

Ok, Harvard here is your playbook:

1. Unrestricted Endowment Maneuvers

My research tells me that 80% of the Harvard endowment is restricted, but that leaves $8–$10 billion unrestricted. That’s a war chest most universities would kill for.

You could temporarily increase the endowment payout rate from 4.5% to 6% for a few years. That alone could free up an extra $1B+ annually.

Without touching principal

But what about the long-term?

Harvard’s endowment returns have averaged 7–8% over the last decade.

A few years of higher drawdown is a rounding error.

2. Debt Market Flex

Harvard has a AAA credit rating and can issue tax-exempt bonds at rates that make the U.S. Treasury jealous.

A $1B shortfall?

Harvard could float a 30-year bond, pay 3% interest, and barely notice the debt service in its annual budget.

The bond market would eat it up, because “Harvard” is basically a synonym for “risk-free.”

3. Alumni “Emergency” Campaign

Last time I checked Harvard’s alumni network is a who’s who of moguls, senators, and ex-cons. A single “Save Our Research” gala could raise $1B in a weekend.

“Hey, Zuckerberg, you want your name on a new AI center? Pony up.” 🧐

Harvard should focus on:

-Flexibility of its unrestricted assets
-Access to ultra-cheap capital markets
-The power of its alumni network

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